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Parenting Teens Online Class: Friends Part 2

In the video for this month, we gave you some basic action steps on helping your teen choose friends wisely. I want to include those in this email so that you can have a resource to use when you need it!

Give them tools to wisely choose their friends. (recognizing the influence friends have, making a list of qualities they want in a friend, understanding what Godly qualities look like)
Help them to create boundaries with their friends. (boundaries of respect, time, influence)
Teach them how to let a friendship dissolve. (When it is unhealthy, when it has run its course, without letting it affect their self esteem when a friend walks away)
Take a step back! (Guide them in their choice but don’t control, encourage them without manipulating them, understand that this is a very important step in the life of your teen, don’t take it personally)
One of the most beautiful pictures of friendship in the Bible is the relationship between David and Jonathan throughout I Samuel. In chapter 18 it says ,”…Jonathan committed himself to David, and loved him as much as he loved himself.” It often seems hard to find that kind of friendship any more. But not impossible!

The greatest lesson to be learned from the friendship of Jonathan and David is not what to look for in a friend, but how to be the kind of friend that honors God. Trustworthy, honest , kindhearted, loyal, and faithful are all wonderful qualities to find in a friend. Our teens need to know those qualities must be fostered in themselves first and then searched for in others.

Feel free to forward this email to other parents of teenagers and have them email me if they would like to join our online parenting class.